Are the UK doing enough to help Ukraine?

Since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in February, the UK has shown support through economic, military and humanitarian aid.

The government have provided £1.5 billion worth of aid since February, with plans for this figure to increase until Putin puts an end to the violence. The package of military aid, announced before a meeting of G7 leaders at the start of the war, marked the UK’s highest rate of military spending since the end of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Humanitarian aid includes medical supply donations and support to the Red Cross who are helping those in crisis.

Zelensky has repeatedly shown his gratitude for British support, and both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have said that the war is a priority. But the war is continuing to tear lives apart, and it seems Putin will stop at nothing to win.

A new prime minister, the death of a monarch and an economic crisis are just some of the situations that have dominated UK headlines in recent weeks, leaving some arguing that we need to solve issues on our soil before we can consider aiding Ukraine to a further extent. But critics argue that the measures put in place so far have been ineffective, and that Ukraine needs our government to do more, and quickly.

A new opinion poll has suggested that only 45 percent of young people in the UK support the governments role in Ukraine. The survey, which was conducted by Ipsos for The Times, found there was strong backing for the UK’s contribution overall, however, opinion was softer among the younger generation. This is believed to be related to the fact the older generation have been known to prioritise defence more as a means of protection to our own country.

“By helping our brothers and neighbours, we are helping ourselves”, said one member of the public, when I asked whether he agreed with the governments approach.

Another said “we need to help ourselves”.